CALL 24/7A Windsor man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after being injured in a collision in Kingsville just before 11 p.m. this past Saturday. The driver of the other vehicle was arrested and charged with impaired driving and dangerous operation causing bodily harm.
Key Details About the County Road 20 Crash
On Saturday, June 13, Ontario Provincial Police responded to a two-vehicle collision at County Road 20 and McCain Side Road in Kingsville.
A 65-year-old Windsor man, sustained life-threatening injuries after the vehicle he was driving was struck by a severely impaired driver. The 65-year-old was transported to hospital. The impaired driver, a 47-year-old Windsor man, was reportedly arrested at the scene.
What Charges Have Been Laid
According to an AM800 news report, police charged the 47-year-old driver with four offences:
- Operation while impaired — blood alcohol concentration 80 plus (.08 percent or higher)
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm
- Operation causing bodily harm
- Not safely starting from a stopped position
The driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and his vehicle impounded for seven days. He is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor in July.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at catchcrooks.com.
When an Impaired Driver Pulls Into Traffic
The charge of not safely starting from a stopped position offers a glimpse into how this crash unfolded. It suggests the impaired driver moved into traffic in a way that put other road users at serious risk.
The combination of impaired judgment and an unsafe entry into traffic at night on a rural road can be catastrophic. A driver whose blood alcohol concentration exceeds the legal limit does not have the physical coordination or mental focus to operate any vehicle safely.
An impaired driver’s ability to assess risk, judge speed and distance, and make safe decisions is compromised in ways they often can’t perceive themselves.
Unfortunately, the 65-year-old man now fighting for his life in hospital, is there because of someone else’s choice to drive impaired.
What Drivers Should Know About Impaired Driving Crashes in Ontario
Car Crashes resulting from impaired driving raise critical questions for injured victims and their families. Here are the ones that matter most.
The Difference Between a Criminal Charge and a Civil Claim
When a driver is charged criminally, as in this case, many people assume the legal process takes care of everything. It doesn’t.
A criminal charge addresses whether the accused party committed an offence against the law. A civil personal injury claim addresses the harm done to the injured person, including their medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. These are separate legal processes. A criminal conviction may support a civil claim, but one does not replace the other.
Why Life-Threatening Injuries Require Early Legal Attention
Life-threatening injuries often mean extended hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and an uncertain road to recovery. The full picture of the harm — and its long-term impact on a person’s life and ability to work — may take months to become clear.
That’s exactly why consulting a lawyer early matters. Evidence vanishes quickly. Witnesses’ memories fade. The sooner legal representation is in place, the stronger the foundation for a claim that reflects the true extent of the victim’s injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Impaired Driving Crash Claims in Ontario
Can I pursue a civil claim if the at-fault driver has already been charged criminally?
Yes. The criminal process and a civil personal injury claim run on separate tracks. The charges laid against the driver don’t resolve your right to compensation—they’re simply one part of a larger legal picture. A civil claim allows the injured person or their family to pursue compensation for the full impact of the injuries, independent of the criminal outcome.
Does a conviction for impaired driving strengthen a civil claim?
It can. A criminal conviction establishes that the driver was operating while impaired and caused bodily harm. That finding can carry significant weight in civil proceedings as evidence of negligence. Your lawyer will monitor the criminal case and factor its outcome into your claim.
What compensation can a seriously injured person pursue after an impaired driving crash?
A person who suffers serious or life-threatening injuries may pursue compensation for medical and rehabilitation expenses, lost income and future earning capacity, pain and suffering, long-term care costs, and other damages resulting from the collision. Ontario’s accident benefits system also provides coverage regardless of fault, including income replacement and treatment funding while the claim progresses.
What if the injured person cannot manage their own legal affairs due to the severity of their injuries?
Family members may be able to act on behalf of a seriously injured loved one. In cases involving catastrophic or life-threatening injuries, a lawyer can advise on the appropriate steps and help ensure the injured person’s legal rights are protected during recovery.
How long does someone have to file a claim after a serious collision in Ontario?
Ontario law generally imposes a two-year limitation period from the date of the collision. In cases involving life-threatening injuries, some steps—including accessing accident benefits—have even shorter deadlines. Consulting a lawyer as early as possible protects those rights and preserves evidence while it’s still available.
If You or a Family Member Was Seriously Injured in This Crash
A collision caused by an impaired driver is not an accident in any meaningful sense of the word. It’s the consequence of a choice—and the person harmed by that choice deserves strong legal representation.
Greg Monforton & Partners is deeply committed to representing seriously injured people and their families across Windsor-Essex and southwestern Ontario. Our experienced Windsor-based car accident lawyers handle complex impaired driving cases. We know exactly how to pursue the compensation our clients need to move forward.
Not sure if you have a case? Your initial consultation is completely free. When we represent you, there are no upfront fees. We only get paid when we recover compensation for you.
